[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1919 lullaby song
Words and music by Eber C. Hamilton
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Go to sleep, mah honey deah, Bye-low
Shut yo’ eyes an’ nevah feah, Bye-low
If de bogieman comes roun’
Mammy’ll drive him out o’ town
Bye-low-bye, Oh, he is
Refrain
Mammy’s little Rosebud, mammy’s little Joe
Oh, Black as coal an’ pure as snow
La, la, la, la, la, la, lo, H’m
Mammy’s little Rosebud Joe
2. Sandman’s comin’, ah can see, Bye-low
Here he is jes’ at mah knee, Bye-low
Angels get ‘im bye an’ bye
Soon’s he close his little eye
Bye-low-bye, Oh, he is
Sung here by Fred Feild: